Win, Lose, or Just a waste of time?

Sandy — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:01:04 +0000

There have been a LOT of nonprofit contests going on lately. Seems like everyday I get asked online to “vote” for some organization in one contest or another.

But are these contests worth it?

My colleague Sherry Truhlar at Red Apple Auctions recently addressed this trend on her blog. Sherry points out that small nonprofit organizations can easily waste a LOT of time promoting their participation in one of these contests. And with limited resources (like time), they may be better off promoting something that’s a sure thing, like a fundraising campaign or an auction event.

I totally agree with Sherry. It’s easy to get lured by the prospect of winning $10,000 just by having the most votes. But these votes aren’t always easy to get, plus you’re competing with thousands of other nonprofits. I’ve even heard a few nonprofits complaining that some contests aren’t set up very fairly.

I encourage you to think very carefully before you decide to participate in one of these. Make sure it’s worth your time before you jump in. And remember that these contests are sponsored by businesses that are getting a lot of promotional value from it.

Read Sherry’s entire post at http://www.redappleauctions.com/marketing/benefit-auctions-versus-online-non-profit-contests-wheres-the-big-payoff/

Cool idea for benefit auctions

Sandy — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:46:05 +0000

My friend Sherry Truhlar of Red Apple Auctions had a great article in her newsletter today. Here’s a piece:

Reach Out and Touch Someone!

At the ThanksUSA event, we were raising money for college scholarships. As you can see in the photo, each table had a name tent listing a student’s name, general information, and his or her telephone number (I’ve blocked out the phone number in this photo). Over dinner, guests were encouraged to text or call the student to chat and say, “Congratulations on your scholarship!”

Plus side: It’s as high-touch as you can get without having the recipient attend the event. It brings a donor directly into contact with the recipient of their donation. I love that!

Negative side: Coordinate in advance. Recipients need to know they could be called. Not all recipients will be choice candidates to speak with a donor.

Kids can make a splash at your event — and help you raise dollars! — even when they aren’t physically present. Use these ideas to get to your donor’s heartstrings.

Benefit auctioneer Sherry Truhlar publishes the “Benefit Auction Ideas” bi-monthly e-zine for auction chairs seeking to improve the financial results of their auctions. Get your own copy and receive a FREE Annual Auction Item Guide featuring 100+ of the best-selling items sold in benefit auctions at www.RedAppleAuctions.com.

Get Fully Funded Blog» Auction

Win, Lose, or Just a waste of time?

Cool idea for benefit auctions